Volunteering in the Summer

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It’s almost summer! That means plenty of free time- which can be super fun or super boring after you exhaust all the fun stuff to do. In addition to fulfilling those NHS hours, volunteering is a productive, meaningful way to meet new people, help the community, and be less bored over the summer. Here are some local opportunities to check out:

McWane Science Center:

• A popular one with students around the Birmingham area. Their Teen Volunteer Program is pretty established, and volunteers help out with science demonstrations and camps. Dedicated veteran volunteers can even run the stingray touch tank! You get plenty of musuem perks, like free IMAX showings and gift shop discounts. From my personal experience, the break room has amazing snacks and you’ll make core memories cleaning up exhibits with fellow volunteers. 

The Zoo:

• School could feel like a cage sometimes, but you can let yourself loose and go wild at the zoo. You will help maintain animal habitats, lead camps and education initiatives, and handle select animals. You learn about wildlife, conservation, and ecology, so you’re well informed and appreciate these animals on a deeper level. 

Botanical Gardens:

• If you love touching grass, you should put your green thumbs to work at the gardens. If you haven’t touched grass all year, it's about time to reconnect with nature. In addition to weeding and watering the plants, you might help with garden events or plant sales. If you’re already part of a service club, your organization could work on a project together! It is so rewarding to literally see the fruits of your labor.

The Library:

• If you prefer reading indoors with air conditioning to reading on a hot, blistering beach, the library is perfect. As a teen volunteer, you will sort books, organize activities in the library programming, and meet fellow bookworms. Don’t be intimidated- I heard it's pretty chill. They sometimes let you make sticky note murals in the teen section. 

This is a sampling of some of the most popular volunteering opportunities for VHHS students. Of course, you can branch out and find an organization that aligns with your passion. Happy volunteering!